Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC | May 30, 2024 | Car Accidents
Car accidents happen every day in West Virginia. Some of these accidents are serious — even fatal. In 2021, 280 people lost their lives in traffic crashes in the state, while 766 were severely hurt.
However, other car accidents cause little to no damage and may result in only minor injuries, if any. You likely already know that consulting a lawyer is essential after a major car accident. But should you hire a lawyer after a fender-bender or other minor accident? Here is what you need to know about hiring an attorney after a minor car crash in West Virginia.
Why People Hire Car Accident Lawyers After Crashes
If you’re wondering, “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident?” you are not alone. Many people think hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary after a car crash, even if it’s a serious one. However, hiring a lawyer is often necessary, no matter how minor or major your car accident is.
A lawyer can help you seek a fair settlement to cover any bills associated with your injuries, losses, suffering, or damage to your car. Beyond this, a lawyer can act as a buffer between you and any insurance companies, police officers, and others who want to speak with you. Your lawyer can communicate with these parties on your behalf, taking substantial stress off your shoulders.
These benefits of legal representation are not only reserved for those who have been seriously hurt. An attorney can assist anyone seeking compensation following a car accident, regardless of how minor or severe your injuries or property damage may be. They can help make the car accident claims process more manageable for you as you focus on healing from your injuries.
A Lawyer Can Help if You’re Hurt Worse Than You Think
Immediately after a car accident, adrenaline can mask the symptoms of some of your injuries. It may take hours or days for you to feel the full extent of your physical injuries. Any mental trauma you may have suffered may take even longer than this to manifest and understand.
Hiring an attorney in even a minor crash can prevent you from settling your case before you know how badly you’ve been injured.
Insurance May Deny Your Claim
Even if you do not suffer severe injuries or extensive property damage following an accident, there is no guarantee your insurance claim will be approved. Insurance companies will look for opportunities to limit their losses, even if this means paying you less than your claim is worth.
Your attorney can assist you in navigating the insurance claims and appeals process, helping ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve for any losses you experience.
The Other Party Might Sue You
Just because you believe your accident is minor does not mean the other driver has the same opinion. If another person involved in the accident believes you are to blame for their injuries, they can file a claim against you and your insurer.
Having a lawyer represent you after a minor accident is not just about you getting compensation. It also ensures you are not liable for any harm you did not cause, as they can help you combat unfair claims of comparative negligence.
You Only Have a Limited Time To Seek Compensation
Suppose that you initially determine that your accident is not serious enough to warrant filing an insurance claim. It is not until you take your car to the repair shop that you learn how much it will cost to repair your vehicle. If you are close to the expiration of West Virginia’s two-year statute of limitations, you might not have enough time to file a claim. If this happens, you will be unable to recover compensation that you otherwise could have been entitled to.
However, if you have previously retained an attorney for your case, they will be prepared to act swiftly when you decide to file a claim. They will also keep track of crucial deadlines in your case.
Proving Liability Is the Same for Minor and Major Car Accidents
If you choose to pursue compensation, the elements you need to prove are the same, no matter how severely you have been hurt. This means that the same evidentiary problems you might encounter in proving liability after a severe wreck can arise in your minor car accident case as well.
With an attorney on your side, you can ensure this part of the process proceeds as efficiently as possible.
When To Hire an Attorney After Your Minor Accident
Speaking with and retaining legal counsel swiftly following a crash is just as important after a minor accident as it is following a serious one.
Once you retain an attorney, you can expect them to:
- Meet with you to discuss your crash and your goals for representation
- Take steps to preserve evidence in case you decide to bring suit later
- Help you determine the extent of your injuries and property damage
- File and negotiate an insurance claim
- Respond to inquiries and counterclaims against you
The sooner you hire an attorney, the more effective they can be with these and other actions. Waiting until the statute of limitations has almost expired can limit the actions your attorney can take on your behalf. Even so, it’s important to speak with a lawyer even if some time has passed between your accident and the present.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation After a Minor Crash
Have you found yourself asking, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” Consulting a lawyer is crucial following any type of car accident in West Virginia. Your lawyer can protect your legal interests while you focus on recovering and getting your life back in order.
Even if you sustain no injuries, a lawyer can safeguard you against claims other parties involved in the accident may bring. When you hire a lawyer after a car crash, you protect both your legal and financial future.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990